‘Donkey Hodie’ Gets Season 3 Renewal on PBS Kids, Sets ‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood’ Crossover (Exclusive)

‘Donkey Hodie’ Gets Season 3 Renewal on PBS Kids, Sets ‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood’ Crossover (Exclusive)

As a gamer with a heart for nostalgia and a deep affection for children’s education, I couldn’t be more excited about the renewal of “Donkey Hodie”! Growing up watching “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” I remember the profound impact those shows had on my emotional well-being and understanding of the world. The return of these beloved characters in a new, imaginative setting is like stepping into a time machine straight to my childhood.


PBS Kids has announced that the popular puppet show “Donkey Hodie,” produced by Fred Rogers Productions and Spiffy Pictures, will return for a third season.

New episodes of the series will debut in 2025.

The show, inspired by the humorous and unique aspects of Fred Rogers, debuted in 2021 and presents reworked characters from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” The upcoming season three will consist of 15 fresh episodes, including two extended episodes and additional online content. This season will continue to chronicle the escapades of Donkey Hodie and her companions, Purple Panda, Duck Duck, and Bob Dog, in the fanciful realm of Someplace Else.

News arrives after the debut of season seven for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, a show inspired by Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and produced by Fred Rogers Productions. In the third season of Dinosaur Train (Donkie Hodie), these two series will unite for the first time in a special 30-minute crossover episode. The characters Daniel Tiger and Dad Tiger will be transformed into puppets, transitioning them from animation to live-action, as they board the Trolley from the Make-Believe Neighborhood to visit Donkey Hodie and her friends in Someplace Else.

“Ellen Doherty, the chief creative officer at Fred Rogers Productions, stated that shows like ‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood’ and ‘Donkey Hodie’ draw inspiration from the creative spirit and imaginative world of Fred Rogers, as seen in ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood’. It was here where Daniel Striped Tiger and Donkey Hodie were initially introduced. These series share a bond not only through their educational objectives but also through the legacy they inherited, and we are excited to continue spinning tales that promote empathy, resilience, and friendship.”

David Rudman, co-creator, executive producer of Donkey Hodie, and co-founder of Spiffy Pictures, stated: “We can’t wait for kids and families to catch a glimpse of what we have planned for Season 3, including our crossover episode. It’s been a delightful and thrilling journey to transform these cherished characters into puppets that harmoniously fit into the world of Donkey Hodie while maintaining the animated versions from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood that we all adore.”

The children’s program (suitable for ages 3 to 5) delves into topics such as determination, tenacity, and finding solutions, all while prioritizing emotional health. It seeks to instill self-assurance in young girls, foster a sense of belonging, and inspire them to aspire for great things in life. The program is structured to encourage kids to tackle challenges they may encounter, learn from setbacks, keep going despite failure, think creatively to find solutions, and discover their ability to solve problems independently. In essence, it aims to equip children with the tools needed to face life’s hurdles confidently.

“The values taught by Fred Rogers form the foundation of our work at PBS Kids, as expressed by Sara DeWitt, senior vice president and general manager. We’re thrilled about the upcoming season of Donkey Hodie, and we can’t wait for you to enjoy a special moment with Daniel Tiger and Donkey Hodie sharing screen time.”

The show Donkey Hodie was developed by Spiffy Pictures, specifically Adam Rudman and David Rudman, and further refined by Doherty. All three are serving as executive producers. Additionally, Kristin DiQuollo from Fred Rogers Productions is acting as co-executive producer, while Caroline Bandolik from Spiffy Pictures assumes the role of supervising producer.

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2024-08-14 22:54